Old World Gloom, New World Cheer

Recent political divisions between Europe and the U.S. may be trivial compared to basic temperamental differences. A Harris Poll finds a clear majority of Americans “very satisfied” with their lives (see the chart). Americans are more likely to say their lives have improved in the past five years (56 percent did so) than to say their lives have worsened (18 percent) or stayed the same (26 percent). Looking to the next five years, 65 percent expect their personal situation to improve, doubling the sum of those who feel it will stay as is (22 percent) or worsen (10 percent).